Rally Mexico: Paddon happy to play Hyundai team strategy

Hayden Paddon won't be Hyundai's nominated point scorer on the Rally Mexico, but he says it makes sense due to his running order.

Hayden Paddon says he understands the decision by Hyundai to nominate his team-mates Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville as its points' scoring drivers for the Rally Mexico due to his running order position.

A second place finish on the Rally Sweden has lifted the Kiwi to fourth in the overall standings behind Sebastien Ogier, Andreas Mikkelsen and Mads Ostberg, putting him as the first Hyundai driver on the road in Mexico.

A notable disadvantage on this notoriously dry, high altitude event, Paddon will be charged with helping to clear the way for team-mates Sordo and Neuville, who run behind him on the road. Though Paddon himself is optimistic of his chances in Mexico, he accepts Hyundai's team decision.

"This is good for the team as we are not scoring manufacturer points on this event," Paddon says. "It means we can help sweep the road a little for Dani. We found here last year when we were first on the road, having re-started on Saturday, that the further up you are, it's very slippery.

"So fourth on the road is not ideal for us. However, S?bastien Ogier will still be the benchmark and he is running first on the road - that's just how it works with the running order."